The Landlord Compliance Checklist for England

Most landlords who get into trouble are not trying to cut corners. They simply lose track of a renewal date or a piece of paperwork. Here are the core legal requirements for letting a home in England, and how to stay on top of them.

1. Gas safety check (every 12 months)

Every gas appliance, fitting and flue you provide must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Give existing tenants a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check, and new tenants a copy before they move in.
Keep each record for at least two years.

2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (at least every 5 years)

The fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years.
Give tenants a copy of the report within 28 days, and give it to the local council within 7 days if they ask for it.
If the report identifies remedial or further investigative work, it must be completed within 28 days (or sooner if the report says so).

3. Energy Performance Certificate

You need a valid EPC, and tenants must be given a copy.
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, most privately rented homes must be rated E or above unless a valid exemption is registered.
EPCs last 10 years, so check the expiry date before each new tenancy.

4. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

At least one smoke alarm on every storey used wholly or partly as living accommodation.
A carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except gas cookers).
Alarms must be working on the first day of each new tenancy, and repaired or replaced once you are told they are faulty.

5. Tenancy deposit protection

If you take a deposit on an assured shorthold tenancy, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and the tenant must be given the prescribed information within the same period.

6. Right to Rent checks

Before a tenancy starts, landlords in England must check that every adult who will live in the property has the right to rent in the UK, and keep a record of the check.

7. Legionella risk assessment

Landlords must assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella in the water system. For most homes this is a simple assessment rather than a laboratory test, but it should be recorded.

8. HMO licensing (if it applies)

If five or more people from two or more households share facilities, the property needs a mandatory HMO licence, and the council may have extra licensing schemes for smaller properties. Our guide to HMO licensing in Hertfordshire covers this in detail.

Keep an eye on tenancy reform

The Renters’ Rights Act is changing how private tenancies work in England, including ending “no-fault” section 21 evictions. The changes are being introduced in stages, so check the latest GOV.UK guidance for the dates that apply to you.

The penalties for getting this wrong are real: councils can issue civil penalties running to tens of thousands of pounds for housing offences. At Forte we track every certificate for the properties we manage and schedule renewals 30 days before expiry, so nothing lapses.

This article is general information for landlords in England and is not legal advice. Requirements differ in Wales, so always check the current official guidance for your property.